HARRISBURG — The competition for a lucrative resort casino license has begun to generate some heat.
Just after Nemacolin Woodlands resort in Fayette County filed its application for a resort casino license with the state today, David LaTorre, spokesman for a competitor, Mason-Dixon Resort and Casino, said that company won’t “rush its application simply so we can say we were first.”
Mr. LaTorre then added, “Our application will show why it’s in Pennsylvania’s best interest not to shoehorn another casino into Western pennsylvania.”
He was referring to the fact that Nemacolin is only about 60 miles from Pittsburgh, where the Rivers Casino operates, and The Meadows racetrack/casino is 25 miles south of pittsburgh. He noted there are also two West Virginia casinos not far from Pittsburgh.
The Mason-Dixon proposal, which would be in southern Adams County two miles from the maryland border, has been proposed by a Gettysburg motorcycle dealer, David LeVan. He previously was unsuccess in seeking a state license for a casino near the Gettysburg battlefield in 2006 and now he is trying for a smaller, resort casino in a convention center about five miles south of Gettysburg.
Two other competitors, a hotel near Reading and a hotel in the Poconos, also are vying for the state’s final resort hotel license.
In upcoming months, the state Gaming Control Board will hold hearings on each of the proposals and then render a decision.
Harrisburg Bureau Chief Tom Barnes can be reached at
tbarnes@post-gazette.com or 717-787-4254.
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